I was out of work for 51 weeks from the end of November 2009 through November 2010. During that time, DH did not work for about 6 months as well due to rotator cuff surgery and recovery. I have twins in college and spend about $80k per year (DS gets a small amount of merit aid), and the only difference in their financial aid package for next year is that they got an extra $5k in loan money added to their financial aid package, which was already only loans.

I'm not a big proponent of playing with the numbers and trying to game the system just so my kids can have the privilege of paying a ton of interest on their school loans. I much prefer the path where we saved up in 529s and a taxable account so that we can actually pay for their college, all of which also played into the financial aid calcs although assets are counted at a much smaller percentage than income.

I wouldn't hold my breath that Susan's gyrations will result in anything other than additional loans for her kids and nothing saved for the future. At least my kids have not had to touch their Roth IRAs for college money.

Announcements

Paying For School Guide
Trying to Tackle Tuition? The Motley Fool's Guide to Paying for School will help you fight those rising education costs.

Foolanthropy 2014!
By working with young, first-time moms, Nurse-Family Partnership is able to truly change lives – for generations to come.

When Life Gives You Lemons
We all have had hardships and made poor decisions. The important thing is how we respond and grow. Read the story of a Fool who started from nothing, and looks to gain everything.

Work for Fools?
Winner of the Washingtonian great places to work, and Glassdoor #1 Company to Work For 2015! Have access to all of TMF's online and email products for FREE, and be paid for your contributions to TMF! Click the link and start your Fool career.